Guinea-Bissau entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Zimbabwean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Guinea-Bissau. Just show up at the airport in Bissau with your documents and pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Zimbabweans.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau. Have 85 EUR or 55,000 XOF in cash ready for the visa fee — the airport ATM often runs out of cash and card payments are not accepted. Bring two passport-sized photos and a printed copy of your hotel booking.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Guinea-Bissau. Have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a printed or digital copy of your onward ticket out of Guinea-Bissau. A flight booking confirmation or bus ticket to a neighboring country works — just show you are leaving within the visa validity period. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it at the visa-on-arrival counter, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least 150 EUR or 100,000 XOF in cash as proof of sufficient funds for your stay. The visa officer may ask to see cash or a recent bank statement — credit cards are rarely accepted outside the capital. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile money. Bring euros or CFA francs in small denominations. ATMs at the airport are unreliable.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Bissau airport is usually quick — 10–20 minutes. Have your documents ready and you'll be through without hassle.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter before the main passport control.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. Pay the visa fee in cash — euros or CFA francs preferred. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
3
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, join the main passport control queue. The officer will check your passport and visa, then let you through to baggage claim.
Download Guinea-Bissau Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost55 EUR (~$60 USD)
Same as visa on arrival; apply in advance at embassy if preferred.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
Available from embassy; requires invitation letter.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost~$80 USD
Requires company sponsorship letter.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For foreign workers with a local employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For investors with minimum $50,000 USD investment in local business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in EUR or USD at the airport. Valid for up to 90 days. | 55 EUR (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | ~$10 USD per day, max $200 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Guinea-Bissau
No transit visa needed
Zimbabwe passport holders transiting through Guinea-Bissau do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsOsvaldo Vieira International Airport (Bissau)
Health & vaccines for Guinea-Bissau
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur during rainy season.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic year-round. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended for all travelers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bissau
Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros (SME)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Bissau
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay payments. Bring passport, photo, and fee in cash.
Bafatá
Delegação do SME Bafatá
Rua Principal, Bafatá
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for inland travelers.
Practical information for ZW travellers
Country basics
CapitalBissau
LanguagePortuguese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 564.01 XOF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,E,FTypes C (Europlug), E (French), and F (Schuko) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is approximately €55 or 36,000 West African CFA francs (XOF). Pay in cash — euros or CFA are both accepted. Have exact change if possible.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or check with the immigration office in Bissau before your visa expires.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Guinea-Bissau requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Zimbabwe is not on the high-risk list, but it's still recommended to get the vaccine and carry the certificate — immigration may ask.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest embassy if you're entering overland.
Your passport (with 6+ months validity), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. A printed or digital copy of each is fine.
No, it's not a formal requirement. But it's strongly recommended — medical care in Guinea-Bissau is limited and expensive for foreigners.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.